Two Week Recap: Offense
The Texans went into Jacksonville and won a game that they were supposed to win on Sunday.
The first two weeks of the season have shown that Gary Kubiak plans on opening games by taking advantage of aggressive defenses and letting Matt Schaub throw dump offs and screens to pick up easy yards. At the beginning of games it can be tough to watch two of the team’s best players in Foster and Tate be underutilized, however they tend to get their carries in the second half when the passing game and defense has built a lead.
There have been many impressive things in the first two weeks of the Texans season on the offensive side of the ball at nearly every position.
September 16, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) passes against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE
The Passing Game
Matt Schaub has come off of his injury looking better than ever. His problem in the past has been that he tends to throw too many passes up for grabs. That’s changed this year as the Texans have not had a turnover in their first two games and Schaub has been extremely efficient in taking what the defense is giving him.
He has also shown that he can still find Andre Johnson which for many fans meant a huge sigh of relief. After seeing Johnson go over the 100-yard mark against Miami, the fact that he didn’t explode again this week was due to the fact that Jacksonville couldn’t stop the run and thus shouldn’t concern fans.
The biggest problem with the passing game has been Arian Foster’s drops. Foster was one of the Texans leading receivers last year, and in order for them to have that success again this year he needs to show better hands.
Ben Tate, Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham and James Casey on the other hand have been outstanding. They’ve run good routes, gotten open and caught their balls picking up good yards after the catch. Graham has been a pleasant surprise after seeing scarce playing time for most of his early career.
Sept. 16, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Houston Texans running back Ben Tate (44) pushes off Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Kyle Bosworth (56) in the fourth quarter of their game at EverBank Field. The Texans won 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE
The Running Game
In week one against the Dolphins the run game was less than impressive. Neither Foster, nor Tate, ran for over 100 yards with the latter getting stuffed on nearly every attempt, and save for Foster’s two touchdowns it was bordering on being a concern going forward.
That changed last week against the Jaguars as Foster showed his consistency, rushing for over 100 yards and Tate showed his explosiveness scoring two touchdowns (a third was overturned) and refusing to go down from the first tackler.
That one-two punch is something you can expect every week, but what was an unexpected surprise was Justin Forsett coming in and running all over a tired Jaguar defense. With a competent change of pace back the Texans run game is even more deadly.
Finally, the Texans running game is what will win them football games this year based on the fact that it caused them to win the time of possession battle with more than 43 minutes.
Sept 9, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans tackle Derek Newton (75) blocks Miami Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake (91) during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE
The Offensive Line
This has been the been the biggest bright spot so far this season.
The seamless transition that Antoine Caldwell and Derek Newton have made to the starting lineup has been remarkable especially considering the rather large shoes they were filling.
Also Ben Jones has made a phenomenal transition from the collegiate level to the pros and has seen time in both of the Texans first two games.
If the line can continue to create holes for the running back stable the Texans have built and prevent Schaub from pulling too much grass out of his face mask it could lead to a deep playoff run.